The proposed 7,000-ton Project 22350M, or improved Gorshkov, had been discussed frequently since 2024. It may delay a Lider because Russia has limited capacity to pursue both programmes. A shortage of experienced engineers between roughly forty and sixty years old is one proposed constraint. Engineers in their thirties and sixties remain available, but disrupted training left a gap between those cohorts. Some specialists also moved abroad when they were young enough to relocate and could obtain better pay and greater stability. Developing a larger frigate can absorb scarce engineering capacity without resolving the separate demand for a large status ship.
Chapter · 29:50-31:18
Why the larger Gorshkov may delay the Lider
Project 22350M may delay a Lider by using scarce engineering capacity. The missing middle generation of engineers reflects disrupted training and opportunities abroad.